new lung scarring

I am 62 years old, and have had asthma for over 40 years. Some years good, some years not so good.  Recently had a CXR due to concerns for CHF, but it showed "mild, diffuse, bilateral lung scarring."  I have had occasional atelectasis, but newer scarring.  My last CXR was 1 1/2 years ago and showed no scarring.  Can fibrosis come on that quickly?  I have not had a significant attack in over a year.

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

With no respiratory problems for over a year, this recent “scarring” is probably of no significance, could even be caused by the use of a somewhat different X-ray technique and is probably nothing to worry about.  The first step is to have your Doctor put-up all your previous chest X-rays on the viewing box and compare them.  The “change” may prove to be more apparent than real.  If not, additional X-ray studies, perhaps a limited CT Scan, should settle the issue.

Good luck